AU2013200154B2 - A label - Google Patents

Abstract

A label for a data storage device, the label comprising one or more regions adapted to carry indicia regarding one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device, and wherein the label is adapted to be affixed to the data storage device. 1 CD-R O CD-RW WE SaveOAs DVD+/-R A - O DVD+/ - RW 0 DVD-RAM o HD-DVD 11 0 BLURAY -- * HCRAGPROGRAWS2 - -j OMULTIF

Description

A LABEL TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a label. In particular, the present invention relates to labels for data storage devices and a method for producing such labels. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In many domestic and commercial situations, data (such as pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music, movies and videos, databases, games, email messages, legal and financial records, artwork and the like) may be stored on data storage devices such as optical discs (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray), holographic media, magnetic media (e.g. tape), hard drives and flash memory. [0003] When data is stored on data storage devices of this type, it is not possible to tell what type of data is stored on the data storage device by merely looking at it. Instead, the date storage device must be labeled in order to allow the user to see at a glance what information is stored thereon. [0004] At present, labeling of data storage devices may be carried out using a number of different techniques. For instance, the data storage device may be written on using a writing instrument, such as a permanent marker pen. However, this produces a visually unappealing, unprofessional result. If the person labeling the disc has poor handwriting, the label may not be readily understood by others. Furthermore, there is the likelihood that different users will label different data storage devices in different ways, leading to an inconsistency in indicia. In addition, there is the potential that the data storage device may be damaged over time by the chemicals present in the writing instrument's ink. [0005] Alternatively, users may create their own adhesive labels for affixing to the surface of a data storage device. However, it is likely that different users will be inconsistent in the indicia they use on self-created labels, leading to confusion as to the type of data stored on the data storage device. In addition, self-made labels can be time consuming to produce, may not be compatible with hardware or software or may cause damage to hardware by causing the data storage devices to become unbalanced (for instance, in the case of optical media). Furthermore, the chemicals in the adhesive may cause damages to the data storage device over time. [0006] Other labeling techniques, such as etching the surface of the data storage device may be used. However, this type of label is time consuming and expensive to produce, and also produces a monochrome, visually unappealing end result. Alternatively, labels may be professionally produced using, for instance, screen printing techniques. However, labels produced in this way are extremely expensive, particularly if only small quantities are required. [0007] Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a cheap, easy to produce label that provided the user with all the necessary information in a consistent format, as well as a consistent group of identifying information. [0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. [0009] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a label which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice. [0011] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a label for a data storage device, the label comprising one or more regions adapted to carry indicia regarding one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device, and wherein the label is adapted to be affixed to the data storage device. [0012] The label may be of any suitable form. The label may be applied directly to a surface of the data storage device, or may be first applied to a medium, the medium being adapted to be affixed to the data storage device, for instance to a surface of the data storage device. [0013] In embodiments of the invention in which the label is affixed directly to a surface of the data storage device, the label may be applied using any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, printing the label on the surface of the data storage device (for instance, using an inkjet or laser printer, or by screen printing) or by etching or engraving a surface of the data storage device. [0014] In those embodiments of the invention in which the label is applied to a medium, the medium may comprise any suitable medium, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, photographic or printing stock or any other suitable medium. The medium may either be provided with an adhesive for applying the medium to a surface of the data storage device, or may have an adhesive layer applied by the user prior to applying the medium to the surface of the data storage device. The label may be applied to the medium using any suitable method, such as by printing the label onto the medium (for instance, using an inkjet or laser printer, or by screen printing). [0015] In a further embodiment, the label may be affixed to a portion of the data storage device other than the surface. For instance, the data storage device may be provided with receiving means adapted to receive an attachment portion of the label. Alternatively, the label may be affixed to a medium, wherein the medium is provided with an attachment portion adapted to be received by the receiving means. In an alternative embodiment, the label (or the medium) may be provided with receiving means, while the data storage device may be provided with an attachment portion. [0016] Any suitable attachment portion may be provided, such as a clip, tie, hook, pin, ring, screw-thread or the like, or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment portion may be a split ring adapted for attachment to receiving means in the form of another ring, an aperture or the like. In this way, the label may be affixed to the data storage device. [0017] In some embodiments of the invention, the medium may be in the form of a housing adapted to at least partially house the label. In this way, it may be possible to retain the label at least partially in the housing when not required, thereby protecting the label from damage. [0018] Any suitable housing may be provided, such as a transparent cover through which the label may be seen. Alternatively, the housing may be such that the label may only be viewed when required, such as by covering the label with a flap or the like. Further, the housing may be such that the label must be removed from the housing in order to view the label. [0019] In embodiments of the invention in which the label must be removed from the housing for viewing, it is envisaged that any suitable technique may be employed to achieve this. However, in a particular embodiment, the label may be adapted to be retracted within the housing. The label may be adapted for manual retraction (for instance, the label may be pulled out of the housing, then pushed or wound back in), or may be adapted for automatic retraction (for instance, using a motor, spring mechanism or the like). In a preferred embodiment, the label may be wound around a spindle or axle located within the housing. [0020] The data storage devices of the present invention may comprise any suitable device -r on which data may be stored. Preferably, the data is stored electronically on the data storage device. In some embodiments of the invention, the data storage device may be a CD (CD-R, CD RW), DVD (DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM, HD-DVD), Blu-Ray disc, holographic media, magnetic recording media, floppy disc, hard drive, flash memory or any similar device. It will be understood that the term "flash memory" is intended to include any device that makes use of a flash memory chip, such as, but not limited to, USB flash drives, memory chips, solid-state drives, or any device that includes one or more of these. [0021] As previously mentioned, the label of the present invention comprises one or more regions adapted to carry indicia regarding one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device. The one or more properties of the data stored on the data storage device may include such properties as the title of the data, the date of creation, the author or owner of the data, the name of the authoring program, the file format, the file system, the disc speed, the type of data (for instance pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music, movies and videos, databases, games, email messages, legal and financial records, artwork) and so on. The one or more properties of the data storage device may include such properties as the type of data storage device (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray etc.), the format of the data storage device, the type of operating system the data storage device may be used on and so on. [0022] The indicia carried by the one or more regions may be in any suitable form, such as in the form of text or one or more images, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments of the invention, the indicia may be the name of the one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device. In this embodiment of the invention, the one or more regions may further comprise a space (such as a blank space) so that a user may enter (such as by writing or typing) further information into the region on the label. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the indicia may be the name of the one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device and also the one or more regions may be automatically populated with information (such as the name and the value of that property for a particular data storage device). [0023] Preferably, the indicia may be adapted to be read by a user independently of a mechanical, electrical or electronic device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the indicia may be adapted to be both read at least by a user independently of a mechanical, electrical or electronic device, and also by a mechanical, electrical or electronic device. [0024] The one or more regions may be positioned at any suitable location on the label. The regions may all have the same orientation, or one or more of the regions may be positioned with a different orientation to one or more of the other regions. [0025] The label of the present invention may be produced in any suitable size or shape to suit the particular data storage device to which it is to be applied. For instance, the label may be substantially circular if it is to be affixed to a CD or DVD. Alternatively, the label may be square or rectangular if it is to be affixed to a hard drive. If text is to be applied to the label, the text may be in any suitable font or in any suitable language. In addition, the label may be adapted to be in a single colour or in two or more colours to give an aesthetically pleasing result. [0026] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for producing a label for a data storage device, the method comprising the steps of providing a computer program having an interface adapted for display on a screen or monitor, displaying one or more templates on the interface, entering information material into the one or more templates, converting the information material into a visual representation of the label capable of being displayed on a screen and converting the visual representation into a label adapted to be applied to the data storage device. [0027] The label may be applied directly to a surface of the data storage device, or may first be applied to a medium, the medium being adapted to be applied to the data storage device. [0028] The information material may comprise any suitable material. In particular, the information material may comprise any information regarding one or more properties of the data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device. The one or more properties of the data stored on the data storage device may include such properties as the title of the data, the date of creation or date of storage, the author, owner, creator, modifier, editor etc. of the data, the name of the authoring program, the file format, the file system, the disc speed, the type of data (for instance pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music, movies and videos, databases, games, email messages, legal and financial records, artwork, medical records, medical images or scans) and so on. The one or more properties of the data storage device may include such properties as the type of data storage device (CD, DVD, Blu Ray etc.), the format of the data storage device, the type of operating system the data storage device may be used on and so on. [0029] In the case of medical records, medical images or scans etc., the one or more properties of the data may include the name of the doctor, medical technician or the like, the name of the patient, type of medical test or scan conducted, type of medical image stored, the condition for which the test or scan is conducted, the part of the body on which the test or scan is conducted, the diagnosis, treatment regime, internal reference, facility at which the test or scan was conducted and so on. [0030] In some embodiments of the invention, entering the information material into the program may create regions on the label into which further data may be entered (such as by writing or typing). Alternatively, entering the information material into the program may both create regions on the label into which data may be entered, and also automatically populate those regions with data. [0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the program may be a computer-based program. Preferably, the program is a computer graphics software program. The program may be provided with one or more templates. The one or more templates may be created (for instance, user created, or created by the program based on the information material entered into the program), or the one or more templates may be a standard part of the program, or the one or more templates may be a combination of the two. [0032] Preferably, the one or more templates correspond to the information material entered into an interface of the program. The interface may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, an interface displayed on a screen or monitor. Information material may be entered into the interface using any suitable device, such as, but not limited to a mouse, keyboard, voice recognition software and the like. The template may be displayed on the interface so that a user can visualize the label as they enter the information material. In this embodiment, the template may have data entry fields at positions corresponding to the positions of the fields on the label. In this way, a virtual label may be produced whose output becomes a physical label. [0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, a visual representation of the label, data storage device, or both may be created or displayed on the screen or monitor after the information material has been entered into the program. In one embodiment of the present invention, the information material may be entered directly onto the representation of the label, data storage device or both that is displayed on the screen or monitor. [0034] The program may comprise one or more mandatory fields that require the user to input information material into the one or more mandatory fields. [0035] In some embodiments, the interface may be available to at least part of a global network of computers. In this embodiment of the invention, the interface may be accessed remotely from any computer connected to the global network. The interface may be readily accessed by any user connected to the global network, or may require a user to pay a fee (joining fee, membership fees etc.) to access the interface. An administrator of the interface may also have a level of access to the interface with a range of privileges different to those of an ordinary user. [0036] Once the information material has been entered into the program, the program transforms the information material into a file (and particularly, an electronic file, such as a binary file) that is capable of being displayed on a screen, such as a picture file, word processor file, spreadsheet file and so on. The file may be suitable for use only with the same program into which the information material is entered, or it may be suitable for use with one or more programs. The one or more programs may also include the program into which the information material is entered. [0037] The label may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the label is in a physical form. The label may be applied directly to a surface of the data storage device, or may be first applied to a medium, the medium being adapted to be applied to a surface of the data storage device. [0038] In embodiments of the invention in which the label is applied directly to a surface of the data storage device, the label may be applied using any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, printing the label on the surface of the data storage device (for instance, using an inkjet or laser printer, or by screen printing) or by etching or engraving a surface of the data storage device. [0039] In those embodiments of the invention in which the label is applied to a medium, the medium may comprise any suitable medium, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, photographic or printing stock or any other suitable medium. The medium may either be provided with an adhesive for applying the medium to a surface of the data storage device, or may have an adhesive layer applied by the user prior to applying the medium to the surface of the data storage device. The label may be applied to the medium using any suitable method, such as by printing the label onto the medium (for instance, using an inkjet or laser printer, or by screen printing). [0040] The data storage devices of the present invention may comprise any suitable device on which data may be stored. Preferably, the data is stored electronically on the data storage device. In some embodiments of the invention, the data storage device may be a CD (CD-R, CD RW), DVD (DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM, HD-DVD), Blu-Ray disc, holographic media, magnetic recording media, floppy disc, hard drive, flash memory or any similar device. [0041] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system for producing a label for a data storage device, the system comprising a hardware portion and a software portion, the software portion including a program having an interface adapted for display on a screen or monitor and one or more templates, the system being adapted to receive information material into the one or more templates displayed on the interface, converting the information material into a visual representation of the label capable of being displayed on the screen or monitor, saved in an electronic file and/or produced in a physical form. [0042] The hardware portion of the system may include any suitable device. However, it is preferred that the hardware portion of the system comprises a data storage unit and/or a data processing unit. Preferably, the data storage unit and/or data processing unit comprises a computer. [0043] The hardware portion of the system may be adapted to receive the information material using any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, data entry using a keyboard, mouse, voice recognition software or the like, scanning or any other similar technique. [0044] The software portion of the system may include any suitable software. However, it is preferred that the software is a graphics program. Preferably, the software portion of the system may be adapted to convert the information material into output capable of being displayed on an interface (displayable on a screen or monitor), saved in an electronic file, produced in a physical form (such as by printing or etching onto a data storage device or another object), or any combination of the three. [0045] The present invention may provide a number of distinct advantages over the prior art in that by providing labels with consistent labeling standards, a user may tell at a glance what information is stored on any given data storage device. In addition, the labels of the present invention are simple and cheap to produce and are easy to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0046] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: [0047] Figure 1 illustrates a label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0048] Figure 2 illustrates a number of labels in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; [0049] Figure 3 illustrates a number of labels in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; [0050] Figure 4 illustrates a label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0051] Figure 5 illustrates a label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0052] Figure 6 illustrates a label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0053] Figure 7 illustrates a label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0054] It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings. [00551 In Figure 1, there is shown a label 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the label 10 is adapted for application to a data storage device (not shown) such as a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray disc. [0056] The label 10 comprises a first plurality of indicia 11 regarding the properties of the data stored on the data storage device (not shown). The label 10 also comprises a second plurality of indicia 12 regarding the properties of the data storage device (not shown). The label 10 includes a number of regions 13 into which further indicia may be entered regarding the properties of the data stored on the data storage device or the data storage device itself. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the regions 13 are left blank such that when the label 10 is applied to a data storage device (not shown), the user may manually enter all the relevant information onto the label 10 using a pen (not shown) or similar implement. [0057] The label 10 is provided with text 14 indicating the nature of the data stored on the data storage device (not shown). The text 14 may also be represented using graphics 15 to both assist the user in easily determining the type of data on the data storage device and also to give the label 10 a more visually appealing and professional finish. [0058] In Figure 2 there is shown a number of labels according to various embodiments of the present invention. All the labels in Figure 2 relate to the same information that is stored on a data storage device. However, the labels show a number of different configurations in which the regions and indicia may be presented.

[0059] In Figure 3 there is shown a number of labels according to various embodiments of the present invention. While the regions and indicia on each of the labels shown in Figure 3 are identical, the text and graphics indicating the nature of the data stored on the data storage device are all different. This illustrates the flexibility of the present invention as it is applicable to a wide range of applications. In addition, the labels of Figure 3 clearly show the professional and visually appealing nature of the labels of the present invention. They also indicate the ease with which a user may quickly identify the nature of the data stored on a particular data storage device, and the properties of that device. Beneficially, the user may identify these properties without the need to place the data storage device in any kind of mechanical, electrical or electronic device. [0060] In Figure 4 there is shown a label 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the label 10 is adapted for use for the storage of medical images, specifically X-rays. [0061] The label 10 includes a first plurality of indicia 16 regarding the people involved in the creation of the X-rays, including the patient, doctor, radiologist and the facility at which the X-rays were created. A second plurality of indicia 17 is also provided regarding the nature and purpose of the stored data. [0062] The label 10 further includes regions 18 into which further indicia may be entered regarding the properties of the data stored on the data storage device (not shown), the data storage device itself, and the operating system on which the data was created and/or for which the data is configured. [0063] In Figure 5 there is shown a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The label of Figure 5 is similar to those of Figure 3 in that while the regions and indicia on the label are very similar to that shown on the labels of Figure 3, the text and graphics indicating the nature of the data stored on the data storage device are different. Again, this illustrates the flexibility of the present invention as it is applicable to a wide range of applications. [0064] It is envisaged that the label shown in Figure 5 may be produced as, for instance, a sticker to be affixed to a surface of a data storage device. However, it is also envisaged that the label of Figure 5 is an etching template, such that the label is etched onto the surface of a data storage device, such as a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray disc. [0065] In Figure 6 there is shown a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The label of Figure 6 is similar to that of Figure 5 in that the regions and indicia on the label are very similar to that shown in Figure 5. However, the label of Figure 6 is adapted to be affixed to a data storage device such as a hard drive. As a result, the shape of the label is configured such that the label is a similar shape to the data storage device to which it is to be affixed. [0066] In Figure 7 there is shown a label 20 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The label 20 is adapted to be affixed to a USB flash drive (not shown). When not in use, the label 20 is adapted to be wound around a spindle (obscured) located within a housing 21. The label may be manually pulled out of and pulled into the housing 21, or may be wound in and out of the housing 21 using a winding knob 22 associated with the spindle. [0067] The housing 21 is provided with a split ring 23 which is adapted to be attached to receiving means in the form of a ring or aperture in the USB flash drive, thereby affixing the label to the USB flash drive. [0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (15)

1. A method for producing a label for a data storage device, the method comprising the steps of providing a computer program having an interface adapted for display on a screen or monitor, displaying one or more templates on the interface, entering information material into the one or more templates, converting the information material into a visual representation of the label capable of being displayed on the screen or monitor and converting the visual representation into a label adapted to be applied to the data storage device.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the information material comprises information regarding one or more properties of data stored on the data storage device and/or one or more properties of the data storage device.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein entering information material into the one or more templates creates regions on the label into which further data may be entered.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the regions on the label are automatically populated with data.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the label is applied directly to a surface of the data storage device.

6. A method according to any one of claims I to 4 wherein the label is applied to a medium, the medium being adapted to be applied to a surface of the data storage device.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the medium is provided with an adhesive for applying the medium to the surface of the data storage device.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the interface is available to at least part of a global network of computers.

9. A system for producing a label for a data storage device, the system comprising a hardware portion and a software portion, the software portion including a program having an interface adapted for display on a screen or monitor and one or more templates, the system being adapted to receive information material into the one or more templates displayed on the interface, converting the information material into a visual representation of the label capable of being displayed on the screen or monitor, saved in an electronic file and/or produced in a physical form. I I.,

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the hardware portion comprises a data storage unit and/or a data processing unit.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the data storage unit and/or data processing unit comprises a computer.

12. A label produced according to the method of any one of claims I to 8.

13. A label produced using the system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. A method for producing a label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

15. A system for producing a label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.