Optical disc system having servo motor and servo error detection assembly operated relative to monitored quad sum signal and focus capture method for use in same

Abstract

An optical drive system includes an optical assembly, a light source, a lens positioned to direct light between the optical assembly and an information storage medium or disc, and an actuator suspending the lens. A photodetector is disposed in a path of returning light to measure light received from the medium. A monitoring circuit is provided to monitor a Quad Sum signal associated with return light. A first servomotor is employed to move the lens in a tracking direction and to move the lens during focus capture while system circuitry searches for a maximum Quad Sum signal. A second servomotor is employed to move the lens in a focusing direction. A first electronic circuit is provided to control the first and second servomotors. A servo error circuit is coupled to the first electronic circuit and the photodetector to determine when return light exceeds a predetermined value, to search for a first zero crossing, and to indicate to the first electronic circuit to close focus by the second servomotor when the Quad Sum signal exceeds a predetermined amplitude. A focus capture method for use in the system includes impinging light upon the disc, moving the lens, monitoring the Quad Sum signal, moving the lens while looking for a maximum Quad Sum signal, monitoring light received from the disc, determining when the light is above a measured peak value, searching for the first zero crossing, determining when the Quad Sum signal exceeds a predetermined amplitude, and closing focus at the predetermined amplitude.