Hybrid information recording medium with masking layer

Abstract

An optical recording medium includes an integrated circuit (IC) module whose exposed surface is masked so as not to be visually recognized. The optical recording medium can be efficiently manufactured without degrading the essential function thereof. The optical recording medium includes a transparent substrate, an optical recording layer and a protective layer provided in this sequence. The IC module is buried in the optical recording medium so that one surface of the IC module is exposed on the protective layer. The optical recording medium also includes a hardened surface layer, transparent to a light beam for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer, or for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer and recording information in the optical recording layer, provided on a surface of the transparent substrate where the light beam is projected, and a masking layer provided in a region behind the IC module on the external surface of the hardened surface layer.