Abstract: Unique identification information is prerecorded on a disc. The identification information is registered to a server along with user's license when he or she buys the disc. When an terminal unit reproduces data from the disc, identification information is read and transmitted to the server through the Internet. The server creates a key that controls to reproduce data from the disc in accordance with the license identified by the identification information and transmits the key to the terminal unit along with the user's license information for the disc. The terminal unit controls to reproduce contents of the disc in accordance with key and license information transmitted from the server. The license for each disc is managed in accordance with the identification information. Thus, different services can be provided for individual discs.

Abstract: First, an ID added disc is loaded. A disc ID is read from the disc at step S2. The disc ID matches a hardware ID of hardware that can use software recorded on the disc. If the disc ID has not been read from the disc, an error process is performed. At step S3, a hardware ID of hardware connected to a personal computer is obtained. At step S4, it is determined whether or not both the IDs match. When the determined result represents that they match, at step S5, an application starts. When the determined result at step S4 represents that they do not match, at step S6, an error message is displayed on a display of the personal computer.

Abstract: The present invention is relative with a method for recording further data on a recording medium on which there re pre-recorded data obtained on modulating M-bit data to N-bit data, where M<N. The further recorded data are recorded by changing a certain bit or bits of the N-bit data, with the remaining portion of the bits of the N-bit data being fixed.

Abstract: A recording method includes the steps of generating recording data in such a manner that, when m-bit data is converted into a data symbol of n bits (m<n), and connection bits such that the summed value of DC components per unit time decreases are selected from among a plurality of connection bits and are added after the m-bit data symbol, the connection bits differing from connection bits which are added when the n-bit data symbol is a data symbol other than the special data symbol are added to generate recording data; and recording the generated recording data on a recording medium.

Abstract: An administrative system receives unique ID information of disk from an orderer for ordering manufacture of the disks and provides the unique ID information for a disk maker. The maker stores on the disk unique attribute information of the disk including identification information for the disk makre side. The administrative system obtains normal recording information generated if normal recording is carried out when recording on the disk the unique attribute information of the disk. Alternatively, the administrative system obtains abnormal recording information generated if abnormal recording is carried out. Disk administrative information, for example, number of pieces of the disks delivered from the factory, is generated from the obtained normal and abnormal recording information.

Abstract: The present invention related to a signal shaping circuit which is capable of shaping a returning light signal of a modulated signal whose signal level and signal length are arbitrarily varied such that it can be demodulated. The shaped signal pattern generation circuit 15 has, in advance, variation pattern information with regard to a predetermined variation pattern to be applied on a returning light signal recorded therein. The counter 13 inputs a returning light signal, counts a signal length thereof and sends a count value to the shaped signal pattern generation circuit 15. An A/D conversion 14 detects a signal level of the returning light signal and sends the detected signal level to the shaped signal pattern generation circuit 15, in the similar way. The shaped signal pattern generation circuit 15 refers to the variation pattern information and calculates an optimum signal pattern corresponding to a signal length and a signal level of the inputted returning light signal.

Abstract: A molding and film forming apparatus 700 molds a disc substrate from a stamper 330 formed from an optical disc disc-master 320 and forms a coating film, for example, a reflective film onto the disc substrate, thereby forming a recorded optical disc 360. A postscript apparatus 200 writes postscript information once onto an optical disc 340 formed by the molding and film forming apparatus 700. As postscript information, a laser beam is irradiated to a predetermined interval of the optical disc 340, a portion which is detected as a pit is formed, and an optical disc 350 on which postscript information 420 has been recorded is formed. Identification information which enables each optical disc 340 to be identified can be postscribed. The postscript information is recorded in a conventional format and the postscript information can be reproduced by an existing reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulated signal generator capable of carrying out signal processing at a higher speed or capable of supporting a special format and a new format with ease. A modulation processing storing unit 130 has a modulation processing program required for producing an optical disc master 320 stored therein in advance. Information data recorded in an master optical disc 310 is reproduced by an information reproducing unit 110 and is outputted to a modulation controller 120. The modulation controller 120 carries out the signal modulation processing onto the reproduced information data in accordance with the signal modulation processing program so as to generate a data stream and stores the data stream in a modulated information storing unit 140 as necessary.

Abstract: A method is provided for recording medium having a substrate on which first data and second data are recorded as a protrusion/depression pattern and a reflective layer that is provided on a surface having the protrusion/depression pattern. Laser light is radiated to the reflective layer to change the protrusion/depression pattern of the second data, and third data used for identifying the recording medium is additionally recorded at a predetermined position on the recording medium.

Abstract: A device for enabling detection of a counterfeit optical CD-ROM is disclosed for use in a conventional mastering system. The device includes a signal source for providing a first signal for forming a predetermined defect in a glass master. The device also includes a switch for connecting a recorder of the mastering system to the signal source. In addition, the device includes a decoder for decoding encoded data and address information provided from an input source of the mastering system. Furthermore, the device includes a central processor unit which serves to detect whether a selected address from the decoded data is present. Upon detection of the selected address, the CPU controls the switch to connect the signal source to the recorder to enable the recorder to receive the first signal and form the predetermined defect at the selected address.